NBA: Way-too-early championship contender rankings for 2021

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Milwaukee Bucks Mike Budenholzer and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

5. Milwaukee Bucks

It’s been two years in a row that the Milwaukee Bucks have flamed out in the Eastern Conference playoffs as the league’s top overall seed. Now, in a make-or-break season with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the final year of his contract, it’s put up or shut up for the franchise.

Their full team from a year ago is expected to make a return, but there’s an expectation that they could upgrade their point guard position from Eric Bledsoe. With the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo on their roster, they have a franchise player that is dominant enough to maximize a championship window. Giannis playing closer to the basket as a traditional four or a small-ball five may be the way to go in order to cater to his skillset.

Nonetheless, the Bucks have the pieces on their roster to achieve Eastern Conference supremacy. Its projection could ultimately be decided with how head coach Mike Budenholzer utilizes his players within a revised offensive system. Brook Lopez getting more post-up opportunities, Khris Middleton becoming more of a mid-range factor, and having George Hill be more of a lead-guard factor are all ways Milwaukee can evolve their stagnant offense and truly emerge as an NBA title
contender.